43. In light of the discussions, the participants of the
meeting agreed on the following recommendations:
- After elaboration on the testing of Open Pollinated Varieties and Hybrids
it was recommended that only hybrids should be tested in TAMNET trials. CIMMYT
may help in testing varieties.
- It was recommended that germplasm exchange should be further encouraged
and promoted. In this respect the delegates agreed to exchange freely Open
Pollinated Varieties and Hybrids. Early generation selfs S2 and
S3 will also be exchanged among the member countries. Advanced
lines may be exchanged on bilateral negotiations and it was left to the individual
countries to decide.
- The participants recommended further improvement of the quality of the
trials. In this regard Dr. S.K. Vasal undertook the responsibility to prepare
a protocol and data sheet for conduct of trials. Apart from this, the Coordinators
of the member countries should ensure to select good sites for the TAMNET
trials. Further, a trial should be composed of having two row plots, three
replications and be in incomplete block design (Alpha lattice).
- It was suggested that publication of success stories on identified topics
should be encouraged. Subsequently, Dr. S.K. Vasal undertook the responsibility
to prepare a document on “Hybrid Maize in Asia”; APAARI will publish
the document. Dr. Zhang will prepare a document on “QPM Hybrid in China”
with assistance from Dr. Vasal; TAMNET will publish it. Prof. T.H. Uy will
prepare a document on “Hybrid Maize in Vietnam”; TAMNET will publish
it.
- The importance of the TAMNET Newsletter was emphasized, and it was proposed
that all TAMNET Coordinators should make a commitment for the Newsletter.
Subsequently, all Coordinators agreed to send information on their country’s
profile with good photographs. All the Coordinators agreed also to provide
information on topics of interest. Six of them already indicated the title
of the technical article they are willing to prepare. It was also agreed to
go ahead with a Web-site for the TAMNET Newsletter.
- The early hybrids were given due attention during the discussions, and
it was suggested that more emphasis should be placed on the development of
early maturing hybrids. However, only two trials should be conducted i.e.
an early one (harvest in less than 100 days) and a full season trial.
- Due to the importance of high quality seed in maize production and productivity
Training Programmes on Seed Production should be encouraged and promoted.
It was decided to organize two training courses on Seed Production in India
and Pakistan. Thailand and the Philippines agreed also to organize such courses.
- The policy towards the private sector was reviewed, and it was recommended
to make efforts for further strengthening of the cooperation with the private
sector.
- The role of partners in TAMNET activities was discussed. Three agencies
and ten countries are involved presently in the Maize Network. It was suggested
to have an executive committee comprising of FAO, CIMMYT, APSA and the Coordinator
from Thailand (as representative of member countries), to decide on policy
issues, finance etc.
- Finally, it was proposed to hold the next TAMNET Meeting in the year 2000,
in Thailand, along with the CIMMYT Workshop; this means one-day TAMNET Meeting
after the CIMMYT Workshop. Afterwards, the next TAMNET Meeting will be held
in the year 2001. China agreed to host the TAMNET Meeting in 2001 in Kunming.
